Workplace violence takes many forms. Corporate and public concern tends to focus on images of work-related homicides, which often accompany domestic violence situations. Other forms of workplace violence, such as complaints of bullying and sexual harassment, are subtler, yet no less psychologically destructive to workers' mental and physical health. For your own well-being, you must recognize these forms of workplace violence, and report them for further action by management.

Bullying

By some estimates, 35 to 50 percent workers in Western industrial nations experience workplace bullying, which is defined as nonsexual psychological harassment initiated by peers or supervisors, according to the www.hrblr.com website. Victims are repeatedly singled out for hostile, abusive actions, such as demeaning comments made against them. In workplace mobbing, entire groups of employees will collectively target the affected co-worker. Victims lose their jobs and professional reputations, while suffering severe financial, mental, physical and social stresses.

Domestic Violence

As many companies are finding out, violence at home makes its presence felt on the job. Early red flags include a spouse or family member constantly calling or visiting an employee at work to "check on her." A majority of 152 batterers admitted to practicing such behavior in a study initiated by the state of Maine, "CNN Money" reported in November 2008. An abuser's tactics may escalate from verbal intimidation and threats to assaults, and -- in extreme cases -- trying to kill his partner before or after going to work.

Sexual Harassment

One of the most common forms of workplace violence is sexual harassment, which the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission defines as an illegal form of sex discrimination under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Telltale signs include requests for sexual favors, unwelcome advances and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Such behavior is considered sexual harassment when it explicitly or implicitly affects chances for promotion, negatively affects job performance, or creates an abusive, demeaning, hostile or intimidating work environment.

Workplace Shootings

Workplace shootings remain are visible symbol of violence on the job. Between 2004 and 2008, an average of 564 work-related homicides occurred, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Such fatalities accounted for 10 percent of all fatal work injuries in 2008 alone. Four in five victims were men, although the type of assailant differed for both sexes. Relatives and other personal acquaintances accounted for 4 percent of assailants in male homicides, versus 28 percent for women. Co-workers and former co-workers were assailants in about 12 percent of all shooting incidents.

About the Author

Ralph Heibutzki's articles have appeared in the "All Music Guide," "Goldmine," "Guitar Player" and "Vintage Guitar." He is also the author of "Unfinished Business: The Life & Times Of Danny Gatton," and holds a journalism degree from Michigan State University.